Orioles Appoint Former Guardians Coach Craig Albernaz as Manager
Craig Albernaz has been appointed the new manager of the Baltimore Orioles, following a significant coaching career. The announcement came on Monday, marking a new chapter for both Albernaz and the Orioles.
Background of Craig Albernaz
Albernaz, now 42, hails from Massachusetts. His journey in baseball began as a minor leaguer, lasting nine years. In 2015, he transitioned to coaching with the Tampa Bay Rays. He quickly progressed from catching coach to manager for the High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods. There, he achieved recognition as the Midwest League Manager of the Year in 2018.
Recent Coaching Positions
In 2020, Albernaz joined the San Francisco Giants. There, he served as a bullpen and catching coach for four seasons. He was considered for the managerial role with the Cleveland Guardians but did not land the position. Instead, he accepted a role on Stephen Vogt’s staff, gradually rising to the position of associate manager in 2024.
Challenges Ahead for the Orioles
The Orioles, fresh from a 75-87 record in 2025, are looking to rebuild. After winning the AL East in 2023 and earning a Wild Card Series berth in 2024, the team faced challenges last season. Albernaz has been brought in to turn things around.
Vision for the Future
Mike Elias, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, expressed excitement about Albernaz’s appointment. He stated, “We believe he is the right person at the right time to elevate our baseball operations.” Albernaz shares this ambition, stating he feels honored to lead the talented Orioles team.
AL East Division Landscape
Albernaz steps into a competitive American League East division. He will be facing notable managers like:
- John Schneider from the Toronto Blue Jays
- Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox
- Aaron Boone from the New York Yankees
- Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays
Each of these managers has led their teams to success in recent years, creating a challenging environment for Albernaz as he works to revitalize the Orioles.
With a mix of experience and determination, Albernaz’s journey with the Baltimore Orioles has now begun, setting the stage for future successes.
